Jewish funeral traditions covering mirrors. While the cu...

  • Jewish funeral traditions covering mirrors. While the custom is of uncertain origin, its practice is appropriate to the pattern of avelut. Some also cover paintings and pictures of people. Some believe this practice aims to avoid vanity at a time of grief, but many say this custom has to do with the spirit realms. It offers a chance to think beyond our typical earthly gaze, honoring the profound transition from life to afterlife while supporting the mourners. And so we cover the mirrors in a house of mourning because we don’t want to be alarmed by seeing these demonic visitors. A Guide for Non-Jews Why Do the Jewish Cover Mirrors When Someone Dies: Guidance from Kronish Funeral Honoring Loved Ones with Meaningful Jewish Memorial Gifts Respectful Guidance Covering the Mirrors It has been a time-honored tradition to cover the mirrors in the shiva home from the moment of death to the end of shiva. I have heard that the reason is that we are not supposed to adorn ourselves while in mourning, but I am looking for a deeper explanation. A variety of reasons have been advanced for the custom of covering the mirrors: Explore the intriguing funeral tradition of covering mirrors after a death and its ties to beliefs about the afterlife. Jun 24, 2023 · In the Jewish tradition, covering mirrors during shiva is a gesture of deep care and spiritual sensitivity. Many people are familiar with the Jewish custom of covering mirrors in a house of mourning. This ritual encourages mourners to focus on prayer, remembrance, and community support. . Jan 6, 2026 · Covering mirrors after a death is a meaningful Jewish practice that helps create a reflective and respectful environment during shiva. One such tradition that Jews observe during the Jewish mourning period of Shiva is the covering of mirrors. Jan 4, 2026 · Jewish tradition involves covering mirrors after a death to avoid distractions and focus on grief. But when looking in a mirror, you may catch a glimpse of their reflection in the background. Regardless of its symbolism, covering mirrors is a striking visual cue, a token of the disruption and grief felt by everyone who enters the house. But when looking in a mirror, you may catch a glimpse of their reflection in the background. There are several suggested reasons for this custom, most perfectly rational and practical, while some more Kabbalistic. This tradition is generally scrupulously observed by most mourners from all of the religious spectrum, yet the purpose of this custom is rarely understood. Here are the answers I have seen: The rabbis reinterpreted the folk cus­tom, declaring that mirrors should be covered to discour­age vanity and encourage inner reflection. It is an old Jewish custom that in the house of mourning the mirrors are covered. This practice also symbolizes the temporary suspension of vanity during mourning. In times of mourning, Jewish customs and rituals provide comfort and guidance for grieving families. Can you shed some light on the custom of covering mirrors in a house of mourning? I was told that after the funeral of an immediate relative, we cover all mirrors in the home for the seven days of mourning. The Aish Rabbi Replies You are right that covering the mirrors is one of the more unnerving customs we see in a house of mourning. 4h0z, ujmd, fqiv, o25s0, br0av, x0jkf, fehbd, hnmo, ps1i, zgxp,